Humanities Homework Help

“America” by Claude McKay (1921)

Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,
And sinks into my throat her tiger’s tooth,
Stealing my breath of life, I will confess
I love this cultured hell that tests my youth!
Her vigor flows like tides into my blood,
Giving me strength erect against her hate.
Her bigness sweeps my being like a flood.
Yet as a rebel fronts a king in state,
I stand within her walls with not a shred
Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer.
Darkly I gaze into the days ahead,
And see her might and granite wonders there,
Beneath the touch of Time’s unerring hand,
Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand.

#1 Carefully read the poem “America” by Claude McKay. Then, write a well-crafted five-paragraph essay in which you analyze the development of theme in the poem. Include details from the text to support your analysis. Your response should include analysis of formal elements, figurative language, diction, symbolism, and tone.